My flasher went bad, so I replaced it with a unit with the same specifications from the local auto parts store.

The problem is that now when I flip the turn signal switch there is a 2 or 3 second delay before the turn signals come on. This is annoying when I want to make a quick lane change in traffic.

Is this caused by the flasher I purchased? Would an electronic flasher solve the problem?

Yep.  Buy OEM.  E-Bay is your best bet.

You can do a search on here for digital flash relay, I cant remember the model. I put one in and it flashes a bit quicker, and works with my LED turn signals. It worked with stock signals as well. It's round, see-through plastic.

Tridon is the brand name.

Had that same brand in electronic flasher. Ended up going back to oem due to finnaky issues.

You can use it, but I recommend oem for best results.

I think I know where there are a few OEM flasher units.

oops, forgot there is a GS500 parts department a few blocks away from me. Here I went and wasted another $6 buying a part when you probably have 10 on their way to the trash.